Vikram Pandit Tells CNBC: I Was Not Forced Out at Citigroup

Tuesday, 16 Oct 2012 | 2:20 PM ETCNBC.com

SHARES

Getty Images

Vikram Pandit

Vikram Pandit denied that he was forced out as Citigroup's CEO, telling CNBC Tuesday that it was his decision to step down after five years at the bank and that he had been thinking about it for awhile.

In an exclusive interview, Pandit said that after the bank posted stronger-than-expected third-quarter earnings on Monday, he called Chairman Michael O'Neill to discuss leaving the bank.

"After five years of accomplishing what we needed to do, it was the right time" to step down, Pandit said.

While the departure was sudden, Pandit said "Citigroup has a new CEO in place and it makes no sense for the old CEO to look over his shoulder."

Michael Corbat, who had been the head of Citi's Europe, Middle East and Africa operation, was named the new CEO on Tuesday. (Read More: Meet Citigroup's New Boss .)

Pandit to Bartiromo: Exit 'Not Abrupt'

CNBC's Maria Bartiromo spoke directly with Vikram Pandit about his exit at Citigroup.

Pandit expects Corbat to continue to focus on emerging markets and core banking.